Respondent was found to have engaged in a course of conduct of asserting or controverting issues without a basis for doing so which was not frivolous, substantially delaying the federal civil action in which she was counsel for the plaintiffs. She did so by refusing to accept and respect rulings of the federal district court, and attempted to relitigate numerous issues over and over again. She also filed numerous appeals which were clearly not ripe for appellate disposition. She filed pleadings which the Hearing Committee found went beyond the bounds of responsible advocacy. The Hearing Committee recommended and the Board ordered imposition of a Private Reprimand. When Respondent failed to appear for the scheduled Private Reprimand, the Board issued to her a Rule to Show Cause why she did not appear. After responses were filed, the Board found that she had not shown good cause, and recommended to the Supreme Court that she receive a Public Censure. The Court rejected that recommendation, and issued a Rule to Show Cause why Respondent should not be suspended for one year and one day. After receiving no response, the Court suspended Respondent for one year and one day.

Rule Violation(s)

3.1 and 8.4(d)

Discipline Imposed

Suspension for one year and one day

Points of Law

Vexatious litigation, aggravated by failure to appear without good cause for a Private Reprimand, warrants a suspension for one year and one day.